Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 with IntelliPower Operation Manual - Page 10

ASSEMBLY Connecting the Battery Cables WARNING Always connect the positive lead to the battery before connecting the negative lead. This will prevent sparking or possible injury from an electrical short caused by contacting the tractor body with tools being used to connect cables. For shipping reasons the factory may leave both battery cables disconnected from the terminals. To connect the battery cables, proceed as follows: (b) 1. If present, remove the plastic (b) cover from the positive battery cable. Attach the red connector to the positive battery terminal (+) using the bolt (a) and hex nut (b). See Figure 21. (a) (c) (a) 2. If present, remove the plastic cover from the negative battery terminal and attach the black cable to the negative battery terminal (-) with the bolt (a) and hex nut (b). See Figure 21. Figure 21 3. Position the red rubber boot (c) over the positive battery terminal to help protect it from corrosion. NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the date shown on top/side of battery, charge the battery as instructed in the Service and Maintenance section prior to operating the tractor. Battery Maintenance • The battery is filled with battery acid and then sealed at the factory. However, even a "maintenance free" battery requires some maintenance to ensure its proper life cycle. • Spray the terminals and exposed wire with a battery terminal sealer, or coat the terminals with a thin coat of grease or petroleum jelly, to protect against corrosion. • Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean and free of corrosion. • Avoid tipping. Even a sealed battery will leak electrolyte when tipped. Battery Storage • When storing the tractor for extended periods, disconnect the negative battery cable. It is not necessary to remove the battery. • All batteries discharge during storage. Keep the exterior of the battery clean, especially the top. A dirty battery will discharge more rapidly. • The battery must be stored with a full charge. A discharged battery can freeze sooner than a charged battery. A fully charged battery will store longer in cold temperatures than hot. • Recharge the battery before returning to service. Although the tractor may start, the engine charging system may not fully recharge the battery. Battery Removal 3. Remove the hex cap screw and sems nut securing the red positive battery lead to the positive battery post (marked POS). 4. Carefully lift the battery out of the tractor. 5. Install the battery by repeating the above steps in the reverse order. Charging the Battery Figure 22 Test and, if necessary, recharge the battery after the tractor has been stored for a period of time. Voltmeter Reading State of Charge Charging Time • A voltmeter or load tester 12.7 100% Full Charge should read 12.4 75% 90 Min. 12.6 volts (DC) or higher across 12.2 50% 180 Min. the battery 12.0 25% 280 Min. terminals. See Figure 23. • Charge the Figure 23 battery with a 12-volt battery charger at a MAXIMUM rate of 10 amps. Adjusting the Seat To adjust the position of the seat, lift the seat adjustment lever up. Slide the seat forward or rearward to the desired position; then release the adjustment lever. Make sure seat is locked into position before operating the tractor. See Figure 24. Oil NOTE: Your tractor is shipped with oil in the engine. However, you MUST check the oil level before operating. See the engine manual for instructions on checking, adding and changing oil. Figure 24 CAUTION Always check the engine oil level before each use as instructed in the engine operator's manual. Add oil as necessary. Failure to do so may result in serious damage to your engine. WARNING Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling. The battery is located beneath the seat frame. To remove the battery: 1. Remove the battery hold down bracket by pushing the hooked end out of the tab on the fender to the right side of the battery. Then flip the battery hold-down bracket up to free the battery. See Figure 22. 2. Remove the hex cap screw and sems nut securing the black negative battery lead to the negative battery post (marked NEG). Move the cable away from the negative battery post. 10